2759 - Oceanic Wooden Maori Walking Stick Tokotoko. New Zealand, early 20th century A.D. Carved with a seated tiki and two kneeling tiki figures, with inset abalone shell eyes and bands of linear and notch carving, the pear-shaped handle with a metal plaque inscribed: 'J.L. LD. N.Z. 1903'. Cf. a similar walking stick or orator s staff (tokotoko) in the Royal Trust collection, inv.no. RCIN 69421. 545 grams, 93.8 cm (36 7/8 in.).

Oceanic Wooden Maori Walking Stick Tokotoko. New Zealand, early 20th century A.D. Carved with a seated tiki and two kneeling tiki figures, with inset abalone shell eyes and bands of linear and notch carving, the pear-shaped handle with a metal plaque inscribed: 'J.L. LD. N.Z. 1903'. Cf. a similar walking stick or orator s staff (tokotoko) in the Royal Trust collection, inv.no. RCIN 69421. 545 grams, 93.8 cm (36 7/8 in.). From the collection of Mr Carlos Bahamonde, Manchester, UK. A tokotoko is a traditional M?ori carved ceremonial walking stick, and a symbol of authority and status for the speaker holding it. The tokotoko were beautifully carved. The most elaborate, like this one, shows a well-nourished, naked Paikea-type male ?gure lying ?at, with his legs in the air to form a handle. The sticks have two distinctive female faces further down, one with a moko on the lips and the other with a moko kauae. All faces have p?ua-shell eyes. The body of the tokotoko is intricately carved with a three-dimensional curved shape. It is less than a metre in length, pointing to its use as a talking stick rather than an aid to walking. TimeLine Auctions follows a rigorous vetting process to ensure the authenticity and legality of all items, reinforcing our commitment to integrity and responsible trading. Each antiquity, antique, and coin lot undergoes thorough examination by a vetting committee of at least ten external specialists, professional trade association members, scientists, and archaeologists. See our website for more information.